Step 2: Identify a Tree Steward

The role of Tree Steward is crucial to the success of the LongTrees initiative. This person will care for the seedlings, document their progress, tend to the community of support, and ensure knowledge transfer to future boards and stewards.

Members of the Long Tree Society gather to support and celebrate their community's tree stewards

Role Overview

A Tree Steward is someone who will:

• Care for seedlings and young trees
• Document growth progress
• Build community support
• Ensure succession planning
• Coordinate with the LongTree Society

Who Should Apply?

The ideal Tree Steward is someone who:

• Has a love for trees and community
• Is interested in long-term thinking and planning
• Might ask questions like:
  • "How would cultivating ancient trees change our sense of time and our responsibility to the future?"
  • "How can our community league create and prepare for a better future through tree cultivation?"
• Is excited about organizing community tree ceremonies
• Can bring their unique skills and perspective to the role

Stewardship Philosophy

The job of a Tree Steward is to cultivate both trees and long-horizon thinking in your community. You might focus more on one than the other, but the key is ensuring that by the time your job is done, you have a succession plan for yourself and the care of whatever trees you have helping bring into the world.

Responsibilities

Primary Duties

1. Tree Care

   • Maintain the Long Tree Nursery
   • Monitor seedling health and growth
   • Document progress regularly

2. Community Engagement

   • Organize tree-related community events
   • Build local support for the initiative
   • Educate community members about the project

3. Knowledge Transfer

   • Document care procedures
   • Plan for succession
   • Train future stewards

Support and Resources

Tree Stewards can access support from:

• Long Trees
• EFCL Green Leagues
• The broader community of Tree Stewards

TIP

The role can be adapted to suit the unique skills and interests of each steward while maintaining the core mission of growing thousand-year trees.

Getting Started

1. Express your interest to your Community League Board
2. Connect with the LongTree Society for initial training
3. Begin documenting your journey
4. Start building your local tree community

Note

Remember that this is a long-term commitment. While you won't be the steward for a thousand years, you should plan to serve for at least a full growing season and ensure proper succession planning.